AboutJim Forte Expertise Postal history concerns the stamps, markings, rates and routings on covers. Covers is the generic term for any letter, postcard or package that passed through the mail. I am a professional philatelist who specialize in U.S. and Worldwide postal history. I have extensive knowledge of U.S. postmarks and post offices, extensive knowledge of U.S. military postal history, strong knowledge of U.S. rates and usages of the 20th Century. I can usually help with inquires about 19th Century postal history, and all range of countries throughout the world.
Experience I have been a full time professional philatelist since 1985. The focus of my business is my website, http://www.postalhistory.com. The site offers nearly 115,000 items for sale. The site contains an on-line copy of my book A Price Guide To U.S. A.P.O. Cancels of the Second World War. The site also contains a database of every U.S. post office, including the dates of operation for the many offices that have been discontinued.
Expert: Jim Forte Date: 7/3/2008 Subject: first day covers
Question should i have them addressed or unaddressed? which is
preferred??
Answer Most collectors have a very strong preference for unaddressed covers. A very large dealer routinely advertises to buy common first days. His price for unaddressed cover is twice his price for addressed covers.
However, collecting is a hobby. It should be about having fun. If you enjoy seeing an address on you first days, then by all means collect them addressed. Just be sure to understand that when you go to sell, you will receive much less for addressed covers. Also keep this in mind when buying. Only buy addressed covers for less than unaddressed covers.
